“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
- Brene Brown
Hi, I’m Angie
I’m a clinical psychologist. I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey. My goal is to create a welcoming and safe environment where you can experience empathy, find understanding, and be empowered.
I am LGBTQIA affirming and strive to be anti-racist. I am committed to continually analyzing my own bias and privilege. I am licensed in Virginia and am PSYPACT licensed, which allows me to practice telepsychology services with clients in a number of states.
My qualifications
I received my bachelor’s degree from Concordia College, my master’s degree in Psychology, education specialist degree in School Psychology, and PhD in Clinical, Counseling and School Psychology from Utah State University. I completed a pre-doctoral internship at Virginia Tech’s Cook Counseling Center.
Since 2006, I have worked in PK-12 schools, college counseling centers, a parent-training clinic, private practice, and developed and implemented an outpatient clinic for our local child advocacy center working with children, adolescents, and parents. I have also had the opportunity to teach psychology at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as work in various administrative roles in higher education which have further shaped my understanding and experience working with adolescents and young adults, identity development, threat assessment and mental health crises.
As a result of these diverse experiences, my background is rich in psychological assessment and working with clients with depression, anxiety, trauma histories, identity and relationship related issues and parenting challenges.
In my spare time, I like to play with my kids, read, hike, and when I can- escape to the beach!
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions I can answer as you consider engaging with services!
FAQ’s
I’m nervous about starting therapy. Is that normal?
When starting therapy, it’s normal to feel nervous. It can feel intimidating to sit with someone and talk about how you feel. Going to therapy even when you are nervous is not easy. It may take courage to take those steps. You reading this now shows that you are already stepping in the right direction.
Therapy is a space where you can be yourself and come just as you are, including feeling nervous. I’m committed to finding a way to care for your nervousness and ensure sessions are as comfortable as possible.
Take your time to read through my website. If you sense that I may be a good fit based on what you are reading, you can email me.
The first few sessions are used to see if it’s a good match- it’s important you feel comfortable.
During the sessions, you’ll be able to start seeing what it’s like. My approach is not going to work for everyone. What’s most important to me is that you find someone who you feel is the right fit for you. We can explore that together.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
You might be asking about how long therapy will take because you are currently struggling and want relief fast. On average, my new clients start seeing improvements after the first few sessions. By that point, they feel like they have learned some ways to manage challenging stuff in their lives a bit better.
The total duration of therapy varies from client to client. Some of my clients find 3-6 weeks to be enough to resolve immediate challenges. While other clients feel more supported by longer term therapy. We will discuss the length of therapy when we meet and talk about what treatment will look like for your specific needs. We will work together to find the length of time that works for you.
How long will therapy take?
What can I expect during the first session?
Overall, you can think of the first session as a conversation through which we start getting to know each other. I’ll invite you to share more about yourself and we can also talk about what’s worked or not worked for your mental health in the past.
Some questions that I like to ask during a first session include:
What brought you to therapy?
Have you gone to therapy before? How did that go?
What goals would you like to reach by going to therapy?
You can ask me questions as well. The most important part of a first session is to see if you feel I’m a good fit for you.
I’m scared that if I open up, you will think I’m crazy or a bad person.
I recognize the courage it takes to share your deepest insecurities, hurts and shameful parts. Many of my clients have had the same fear (that people would think they are crazy or a bad person).
I know that what you are going through is common through many years of hearing people’s stories. You’re not being dramatic or “too much.”
I know many of us are overwhelmed, we all have our strengths and weaknesses, we all suffer in different ways. Whatever it is you’re going through, I provide a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgment.
Questions? I’m here to help.
Fill out the form with your information and I’ll be in touch shortly.